Written by by Jacob Leveton • Photos by Dino Dalle Carbonare
|
09 March 2012

The GReddy/Trust 35RX Nissan GT-R was built to set the speed record at Fuji speedway and attack lap records around Japan.

Japanese culture prioritizes pride. For tuners in Japan, there is not just an emphasis on the quality of the work, but also on putting parts to hard use. Trust Japan decided that simply building a demo R35 GTR for Tokyo Auto Salon wouldn’t be enough – it needed to kick butt on the track too.

At the time, rival tuner HKS’s GTR held the top speed at Fuji Speedway. As Trust Japan started planning the build, nothing less than a new record would be acceptable. GReddy’s existing 800hp twin-turbo kit would be put on steroids for this build. The stock displacement wasn’t enough, so a 4.3L stroker kit was put together with a forged crank, connecting rods, custom pistons, and a full sleeved block. Paired with a prototype 1,250hp twin turbo kit, full 90mm exhaust, Greddy Spec-R-HG Type-29 twin-entry intercooler, GReddy RX intercooler piping, GReddy blow-off valves, and GReddy billet fuel rail, the kit is all business from start to finish. Under the valve cover, GReddy 272º camshafts are paired with upgraded valves and valve springs, a metal GReddy headgasket, GReddy prototype intake and throttle bodies, 1,000cc injectors, custom dual fuel pump, and E-manage ECU to monitor all air and fuel ratios. Cooling is provided by a GReddy radiator and oil cooler, while the power is driven through the Dodson first gear upgrade, GReddy DCT upgraded clutch kit and OS Giken LSD. To say this car was built for serious track business is an understatement.

Under each corner, GReddy’s custom 30kg/mm front and 32 kg/mm rear spring rate racing suspension keeps the car planted in the corners. While the car was originally built to set the top speed at Fuji speedway, there are plans for the car to attack lap records around Japan when everything is fully set up. Top Secret adjustable upper and lower arms replace the stock units while Endless 6-pot front brake calipers grip massive 400mm 2-piece rotors and 4-pot rears grip 387mm 2-piece rotors for some amazing stopping power. Starts and stops run through the Prodrive 20x10.5” GC-012L wheels and Dunlop Sport Maxx GT600 285 tires.

Outside the car, the Trust GTR35X wears the first production BenSopra widebody kit. The kit widens the car an astronomical 4” all around with an unmistakable 1-piece front clip consisting of a molded fender and bumper piece. The front end is on a custom front-hinge system reminiscent of early ‘80s German technology, which allows for full access to the motor and all intake and exhaust piping. Out back, the rear over fenders, bumper, and wing are all part of the conversion, giving the GTR a menacing look while providing extra room beneath the fenders for meaty rubber.

Inside the car a pair of Race Tech RT4900HR seats keep the driver planted while a pair of TRS harnesses keep him strapped in. A Greddy Profec B boost controller and boost gauge keep an eye on engine internals at all times. When it came time to decide on a pilot for the record-breaking run, none other than famed driver Tarzan Yamada was chosen. Tarzan has driven more cars to time attack and high speed records than any other Japanese driver, and this car would be no different. While hitting a displayed 333 KM/h on the Fuji track, Tarzan said the car had much more in it if there was less traffic on track. Incredibly, this record was set on a lapping day with other cars on track at the same time, and not during a private session. As the car gets more dialed in, it is anticipated this car will break more records in the coming months.

While the initial engine configuration was debuted almost six months ago, the Ben Sopra widebody conversion and custom paint and graphics package just debuted at Tokyo Auto Salon. Since then, the car has received wide praise, and GReddy has strongly positioned themselves atop the ladder of tuners in Japan once again. With such an impressive resume in the first six months, the reputation is completely justified.

More Vehicle Features

Honda purists are by far the most loyal brand fans in the automotive world – be it as enthusiasts, track drivers or builders. Starting off young most Honda fans start with a beat up Civic on which they learn the…

Written by Dave Pankew | Photos by Jacob Leveton Considered one of the most talented driver’s in Formula D, pro drifter Samuel Hubinette and his mighty Dodge Viper were a perfect match during their commanding time together, with many top…

Written by Dave Pankew | Photos by John Jackson How do you improve upon one of the best selling cars of all time? One that’s won countless awards and has several hundred thousand still on the road today? Well, it…

Mike Essa has played out a real life version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears when it comes to his BMW Formula Drift cars. His first E92 chassis had a very long 108-inch wheel base, was very heavy, and had…

Working at the CES show gives one the opportunity to see just what is going on behind-the-scenes with many of the exhibitors. The Pioneer booth, which was located to the right of what many refer to as the ‘front door’…